The Department of Homeland Security is designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective 3/9/21 through 9/9/22.

This new designation enables Venezuelan nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Venezuela) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for the Temporary Protected Status, individuals must

• be able to demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March 8, 2021;
• file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (including Employment Authorization Documents and Travel Authorization)within the 180-day registration period; and
• undergo security and background checks.

The designation also provides information about Deferred Enforced Departure and DED-related employment authorization documents for eligible Venezuelans.

More details about the eligibility criteria to submit an initial TPS application and apply for an EAD can be found in the Federal Register Notice (FRN).

Please contact Shuyuan Michelle Tian, Esq. of Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP for questions regarding this designation, eligibility issues, and/or any other matters related to Temporary Protected Status.